Beef muscle in Italian sauce
Beef tenderloin in Italian sauce: a savory recipe for memorable moments
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Around the world, beef has been used throughout history to create delicious dishes, full of flavor and aroma. Beef tenderloin in Italian sauce is a recipe that blends tradition with fresh ingredients, turning an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is not only savory but also extremely easy to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners as well as special occasions.
Essential ingredients for the recipe:
- 600 g beef tenderloin, diced (choose high-quality meat for a more intense flavor)
- 1 large onion (you can use yellow or white onion, depending on your preference)
- 1 medium carrot (adds a sweet note to the dish)
- A piece of celery (contributes to the depth of flavor)
- A few cloves of garlic (help to enhance the aromas)
- 200 ml white wine (you can substitute with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 200 ml water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for a rich texture and savory taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (provides a specific Italian aroma)
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (adds a note of freshness)
- Ground green pepper and salt, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing the ingredients)
Step by step to a perfect result:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. Grate the carrot and celery on a small grater to soften them faster in the sauce. Make sure the beef tenderloin is dried with paper towels to achieve a nice crust during frying.
2. Heating the oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Choose a pot with a thick bottom to distribute heat evenly.
3. Searing the meat: Add the diced beef tenderloin to the pot. Sear the meat over high heat, turning it frequently until it is golden on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). This step is essential to seal in the juiciness of the meat.
4. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is ready, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the carrot and celery, mixing well. Let them sauté over high heat for 2-3 minutes to release their aromas.
5. Seasoning: At this point, add oregano and marjoram. Mix well to combine the flavors.
6. Adding liquids: Pour the white wine and water into the pot, then add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of ground pepper. Wait for it to boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
7. Simmering: Let the dish simmer on low heat for 1 hour. If the sauce reduces too much, you can add a little water. After an hour, add the tomato paste and mix well. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a side of boiled potatoes that absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. You can add a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast.
Practical tips:
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of wine or add green olives for a more intense flavor. Additionally, a pinch of dried chili pepper added during cooking will give an extra kick.
- Storing the dish: If you have leftovers, it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 days.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of beef tenderloin in Italian sauce contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What type of meat is best?: Choose young, well-marbled beef tenderloin for a juicy result.
2. Can I use pork or chicken?: Absolutely! While the recipe is traditionally made with beef, you can adapt the dish with pork or chicken, adjusting the cooking time.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch diluted in a small amount of water, mixing it into the sauce in the last minutes of cooking.
4. What drinks pair well with this dish?: A dry white wine or a light beer are excellent alongside this dish. Additionally, a fresh lemonade will balance the rich flavors.
In conclusion, beef tenderloin in Italian sauce is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring family and friends together for savory moments. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the aromas, and every meal will become a celebration! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 600 g beef tenderloin, diced 1 large onion 1 medium carrot 1 piece of celery a few cloves of garlic 200 ml white wine (or meat broth) 200 ml water 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon each: dried oregano and marjoram ground green pepper and salt to taste 4 tablespoons olive oil
